LEWIS DURANT

DURANT, LEWIS Lewis Durant died peacefully at his home in Atlanta, Georgia on the morning of Saturday, December 8, 2012. He was 89. Lewis was born in Atmore, AL on October 7, 1923, to David Richardson and Mary Hellen Lewis Durant, and grew up in nearby Uriah, AL where he was graduated as salutatorian from J.U. Blackshear High School in 1941. He continued his education on a scholarship at Marion Military Institute where he earned an Associate of Arts degree before being called to service of his country in 1943. Lewis served in the U.S. Army in the Pacific in World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant in 1946. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University in 1947. After graduation Lewis began his career in the Credit Department at Tennessee Coal and Iron (later U.S. Steel) in Birmingham, AL. During that time he courted and married his wife, Sybil Gene Murphy in 1950. He had a long career with U.S. Steel becoming a district credit manager in Birmingham and Houston, and regional credit manager again in Birmingham. He then took on the role of regional treasurer in Atlanta, GA. He finished his career as the Treasurer of U.S. Steel's Agri-Chemical Division located in Atlanta. He retired from that position in 1987 after 40 years with U.S. Steel. Lewis was devoted to his church serving as a Deacon at Southside Baptist Church and Dawson Memorial Baptist in Birmingham; Tallowood Baptist in Houston; and Green Valley Baptist in Birmingham. He served in many capacities at Briarlake Baptist in Atlanta. He taught Sunday School for his entire adult life and served on numerous important committees for his churches. He was a member of the Senior Adult Choir at Briarlake Baptist. Lewis is survived by his wife of 62 years Sybil Gene Murphy Durant; his son Richard Lewis Durant and his wife Brenda Fay Rednour Durant of Redlands, CA; his daughter Mary Katherine Durant of Atlanta, GA; his son David Zell Durant and his wife Rita Anne O'Laughlin Durant of Mobile, AL; his grandchildren Richard Lewis Durant, Jr. of Redlands, CA; Micah Zell Durant of Mobile, AL; Luke David Durant of Santa Clara, CA; Bradley John Durant of San Diego, CA; William Mark Durant of Mobile, AL; and Sharon Diane Durant of Redlands, CA; and his sister Laura Ella Durant Ford of Spanish Fort, AL. He was predeceased by his brother David Richardson Durant, Jr.; his sister Mary Hellen Durant Beckett, and his brother Lewellyn Leslie Durant. The visitation and funeral will be at the sanctuary of their church this Saturday, December 15, followed by a brief graveside service. The visitation will begin at 12:30 pm and the funeral will begin at 2:00 pm. The church address is Briarlake Baptist Church, 3715 Lavista Road, Decatur, GA 30033. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Briarlake Baptist Church or the veterans group of your choice. Arrangements by Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Tucker, GA.